For the first time in more than half a century, Weston High School has a cheerleading team. The cheer program, announced this fall, is bringing fresh energy and school spirit while adding additional athletic opportunities for students who want to try something new.

    “This is a great chance for WHS to expand our athletic department,” said athletic director Michael McGrath. “I’m really excited about this new program.”

   The return of cheer marks a major shift in the school’s athletic culture. For many students, this fall will be their first time seeing cheerleaders at games, but the newness of the program is also impacting the cheerleaders themselves. Several team members noted that being part of a new program allows them to contribute to its organization, routines, and overall direction, giving each member the opportunity to provide input.

   “Because the team is brand new, there are so many things we get to put our input into,” sophomore cheerleader Sahana  Krishnan said.“We can look for new cheers, give feedback on the uniforms and bows. It’s been such an adventure figuring it all out.”

   Some cheerleaders joined the team out of curiosity, while others were eager for the chance to be part of history. Once they became a team, however, members have also found that it is a place to build friendships.

   “I think it’s nice to interact with the underclassmen and meet new people. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends,” junior cheerleader Ryla Gill said.

   The sense of discovery within the team is a part of what makes it so unique. Unlike sports with long-standing routines and traditions, Weston cheerleaders get to start from scratch. They are choosing cheers, giving input on uniforms, and deciding what kind of team they want to become.

   “The most exciting part of creating this new team is starting from the ground up,” Gill said. “Since we don’t have a background as a WHS cheer team, we get the opportunity to build it together and make it our own.” 

   The work these athletes have had to undertake to be ready to perform at games goes far beyond picking colors and learning chants. Cheerleading requires strength, synchronization, and trust, and at practices, the athletes spend hours perfecting motions, learning stunts, and building the timing needed for a well-rehearsed routine, all of which will demand serious commitment and time from the members of the team.

   “It’s going to be a challenge, but I have full faith in my athletes to pull through,” said coach Abbi Stratton. “Practices have been as much about character as choreography.” 

   To meet this challenge, everyone on the team has to commit to doing their part. 

   “Everyone has a job to do and it’s all of equal importance; everyone is needed,” Stratton said.

   In addition to cheering at football games this fall, the Wildcats cheer team is preparing for their first ever competition on November 2,  where they will put all of the routines and efforts on display.

   “I’m definitely looking forward to cheering at the games this season, as well as competing at the league meet,” Krishnan said. 

   Beyond competitions, the cheerleaders hope to transform the energy at Weston games. Football traditionally brings big crowds, but the athletes believe cheer can take school spirit to the next level.

   “I really hope people are excited about the new team,” said Gill.  “I think it will bring great spirit to games.” 

   For many, that chance to energize the stands is the heart of cheerleading. It’s not just about stunts or competitions but about making the entire school community feel united. 

   “I hope the team is able to make the games more lively and energetic,” said Krishnan. “We really want to engage the crowd more at the games.”

   The team has been putting in countless hours of hard work for quite some time, making sure to get everything perfect for the games and competitions.

   “You may see smiles, bows, and sparkles on those sidelines,” Stratton said. “But please be aware of the amount of effort and dedication it takes behind the scenes.”

   With a foundation of trust, resilience, and positivity, Weston’s new cheerleading program hopes to be off to a strong start. From energizing the stands to preparing for their first competitions, the athletes are creating traditions that will outlast their time on the field.  

   “We’re learning so much and growing every day. I can’t wait to see what else we can do,” Krishnan said.